After enduring their worst season in franchise history in 2024, the Angels took an aggressive approach during the offseason to move past that low point—both through the deals they completed and those that fell through.
Among their key acquisitions were pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and slugger Jorge Soler. However, not every pursuit was successful: they came up short in landing Pete Alonso and failed to execute a trade for Nolan Arenado, who reportedly had the Angels on a short list of teams he’d consider waiving his no-trade clause for.
Though rumors of an Arenado-to-Anaheim deal never gained major traction—and were later debunked—USA Today’s Bob Nightengale still reported that Angels GM Perry Minasian had serious interest in bringing the likely Hall of Fame third baseman to Southern California:
“The St. Louis Cardinals are not receiving any interest in third baseman Nolan Arenado after he rejected trades this winter to the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels.”
Wait… did he just say Angels? Let’s break that down and, for now, assume this isn’t just another classic Bob Nightengale mix-up.
MLB insider lets unfortunate Nolan Arenado-Angels rumor slip in latest column
The Cardinals were actively shopping Nolan Arenado as part of a broader effort to cut payroll ahead of the 2025 season. Many fans and analysts anticipated that he would end up with a marquee team like the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox, or Astros. So when Arenado rejected a trade to Houston, few imagined he might consider a deal to their AL West rival, the Angels.
If Bob Nightengale’s report is accurate, it’ll be fascinating to learn whether the Angels made their push before or after Arenado nixed the Astros deal.
Given the Angels’ reputation for being tight with money, few expected them to take on the bulk of Arenado’s remaining contract—three years and $52 million—and part with prospects from their already thin farm system for a 34-year-old who’s coming off two subpar seasons.
But apparently, they were serious about making it happen. Credit to them for making the effort, even if Arenado may not have been the perfect fit. Again, that’s assuming Nightengale’s report that a trade was ready pending Arenado’s approval is correct.
Since signing Anthony Rendon, third base has been a revolving door for the Angels. Pursuing a proven veteran like Arenado—known for his durability, clubhouse presence, and past connection with Mike Trout from Team USA—made logical sense.
His elite defense and leadership would have elevated the team on and off the field, and his presence likely would have boosted ticket and merchandise sales as well.
This season, the Angels have relied on Yoán Moncada and Luis Rengifo at third base. While Moncada has a better OBP, SLG, and OPS than Arenado right now and comes at a lower cost, Arenado has played more than twice as many games.
It’s tough to argue the Angels are better off without a likely Hall of Famer, and for long-frustrated fans, missing out on him feels like just another disappointment in a string of many.
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